I have to admit that when I'm teaching someone, I sincerely love the idea of having the flight line all to myself and my student. I'm sure that there are many fliers who are nervous when flying with other planes in the air. Then there are the instructors on their way to burnout or those who cringe when beginner day comes around or when he sees a newbie show up with his trainer seeking help.

Then there are fliers who would rather not have to dodge trainer planes piloted by newly soloed newbies. Even once the newbie becomes a somewhat skilled pilot, that means everyone will have to wait that much longer for the frequency pin, although with the advent of 2.4, that may not be such a problem anymore. Still, that does mean there is another airplane to watch out for.

Considering the utter importance of providing flight instruction for growth efforts, if such help isn't readily available and on a continuing basis, significant growth will always be all but impossible. After all, who really likes sweating bullets teaching what the industry and AMA needs, which is an endless supply of newcomers to the hobby/sport? With every newcomer, the AMA makes money, the industry makes money, but we are expected to do their in-the-field, hands-on promoting for the free. (giving back to the hobby) What's wrong with this picture? What did PT Barnum say?

Fliers1